This quick and easy orange-cranberry cheese ball is an appetizer that is perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing snack with very little hands-on time. It comes together in minutes and tastes like something truly special — bright, creamy, and full of flavor.
The key to this recipe is the fresh orange zest and juice. They add just a hint of sweetness and citrus brightness that pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese and tart dried cranberries. Roll it in a crunchy pecan coating with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and you’ve got a festive, colorful appetizer that looks just as good as it tastes.
Orange-Cranberry Cheese Ball
Make-Ahead Tip:
You can prepare the cheese ball ahead of time and freeze it! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, seal in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and roll in the cranberry-pecan mixture before serving.
This orange-cranberry cheese ball also makes a great gift. Just pair with some tasty crackers and you’ve got something special and a little bit different that is handmade and a welcome surprise. You can often even find tiny little appetizer knives at the dollar store to add to this!
More cheese balls you might like to make:
- Pecan Bacon Cheese Ball
- Mini Cheese Ball Appetizers
- Festive Rudolph Cheese Ball
- Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball
- Snowman Cheese Ball
- Grinch Cheese Ball
Ingredients
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 30 minutes to chill)
Cook Time: n/a
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 Tbsp orange zest (preferably organic)
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped and divided
- ½ cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
To Serve:
Crackers, fresh fruit, and/or vegetable crudités
Instructions
Add the cream cheese, water, orange juice, orange zest, and one-third cup of the dried cranberries to a medium mixing bowl. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides so no zest or bits are left behind.
Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center.
Wrap tightly and shape the mixture into a ball using your hands. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Meanwhile, combine the remaining cranberries with the chopped pecans and fresh parsley in a small bowl.
Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a serving dish. Gently press the cranberry-pecan mixture all around the outside until fully coated.
Serve with crackers, fresh fruit, or sliced vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & eye-catching — perfect for holiday tables
- Quick to make with minimal prep
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining
- Sweet + savory balance that keeps everyone coming back for more
Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Wheat crackers or buttery round crackers
- Apple slices or pear wedges
- Baby carrots, celery sticks, or cucumber rounds
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers, wrapped well, for up to 3 days.
- If freezing ahead, freeze before coating for best texture.
Variations
Try swapping:
- Dried cherries for cranberries
- Toasted walnuts or almonds for pecans
- Add 1–2 Tbsp honey for a sweeter crowd
FAQ
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh juice and zest are what give the flavor here, so fresh is strongly recommended.
How do I chop dried cranberries easily?
Spray your knife lightly with cooking spray — no sticking!
More delicious party appetizers:
- Christmas Wreath Deviled Eggs
- Snowman Snack Board
- Pistachio & Blackcurrant Cheese Log
- Easy 4 Ingredient Sausage Balls
- Baked Brie with Garlic and Honey
- Warm Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Spinach Dip
- Santa Charcuterie Board
- Cucumber Smoked Salmon Appetizers
- Baked Brie with Cranberries
- Bacon Wrapped Crackers
- Sweet and Savory Spiced Pecans
Orange-Cranberry Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 1-8 oz. package cream cheese room temperature
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest preferably organic
- ½ c. dried cranberries chopped and divided
- ½ c. pecans finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- To Serve: Selection of crackers fresh fruit, and/or vegetable crudités
Instructions
- Add the cream cheese, water, orange juice, orange zest, and one-third cup cranberries to a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir to combine. Use a silicon spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl, as shown, to ensure all ingredients are incorporated into the mixture.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap on a clean, dry work surface and use the silicon spatula to gently scoop the cream cheese mixture on top of it.
- Wrap the plastic wrap around the cream cheese and gently shape into a ball with your hands. Cover the cheese ball completely in the plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, toss the pecans and fresh parsley with the remaining cranberries in a small bowl until combined.
- Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Place the ball on a round serving plate and gently press the cranberry-pecan mixture into the surface to cover.
- Serve immediately with your choice of crackers, fresh fruit, and/or sliced vegetables.
Notes
Nutrition
